Golf Channel to broadcast Fri. matches at Ryder Cup

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Golf Channel will broadcast the Friday matches at the 2014 Ryder Cup, marking the first time that the network has provided live coverage of the event, it was announced Tuesday.

The NBC Sports Group will have live coverage from the opening tee shot through the final putt during the Sept. 26-28 matches at Gleneagles, totaling about 26 ½ live hours. It is the first European-based event to be televised in its entirety in the States.

“It is exciting to expand our partnership with the PGA of America through NBC Sports Group’s exclusive coverage of the 2014 Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious events in all of sports,” said Mark Lazarus, chairman of the NBC Sports Group. “Today’s announcement of providing complete coverage with the great addition of Golf Channel’s exclusive Friday coverage, bolsters our ability to bring this spectacular event to an ever-growing audience. We value and look to continue to grow our PGA of America partnership.”

Golf Channel’s Friday coverage is part of a trade that includes a change of highlight rights and other considerations from ESPN. As part of this new agreement, Golf Channel will serve as the exclusive cable home of the Ryder Cup through 2030, the longest national TV rights agreement in pro sports.